Mini alternator replacement

What does an alternator do?

The alternator is the device responsible for generating electricity to charge the battery. It’s coupled with the engine drive, which means whenever the car is running, the battery is being charged. Without a charged battery there is no delivery of power to the electrical components or to generate the sparks used to combust the fuel in the engine.

How often should an alternator need replacing?

An alternator typically lasts around 7 years or between 100k and 150k miles.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

Without a correctly functioning alternator, your car is unlikely to hold enough charge in the battery to drive for any purposeful length of time. Having said that, the alternator won’t be tested during an MOT, so as long as the battery has enough charge for the engine and other electrical components to run for the duration of the examination, then it can still achieve a pass. We do not recommend this in any circumstance. If there is a problem with your alternator, you should have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

What happens when we replace your alternator?

• Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will test the voltage output of the alternator, inspect the car’s electrical systems and all alternator ancillaries (drive belts, cables, etc.).
• Wherever necessary, the alternator will be replaced, and you will be advised of any other connected or associated problems arising from its malfunction.
• You will also be advised of any other parts that may need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle.
• Once the faulty alternator has been replaced, our mechanics will test it thoroughly to ensure the correct running of the new part and make any adjustments required for its premium operation.

What causes an alternator to stop working correctly?

An alternator might break down due to a bearing failure, preventing the rotor from spinning freely. Fluid leaks or a too tight belt (or a loose belt slipping) can also cause damage and premature wearing.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning alternator

When the battery is flat

If your battery is flat and refuses to accept charge through normal driving, then your alternator could be the problem.

The lights aren’t as bright as normal

If your headlamps aren’t as bright as normal or the function of other electrical components is weak, your alternator may not be supplying as much charge to the battery as it needs.

The battery warning light is illuminated on the dashboard

All warning lights are an indicator that a sensor has detected a failed component or poor operation. A battery warning light could be connected to your alternator performance.

Mini

Mini is a British automotive marque that has been owned by the German multinational vehicle manufacturer BMW since 2000.

The Mini brand was originally introduced in 1969 when the vehicle model became a marque in its own right, breaking away from the Austin and Morris brands under the British Leyland umbrella.

How popular is Mini in the United Kingdom?

The Mini Hatch was the 7th best selling car of 2018 in the UK. Mini is a consistent favourite among buyers with a leaning for British cultural icons and retro styling.

There are around 750k Mini cars on the roads, showing that the brand is still as popular as ever due to their compact sizing, attractive styling and its reputation as a classy and classic small car.

Mini: a premium product of British motoring

With its unique and unmistakable styling, Mini is firmly placed as a premium product. Its ownership by BMW has added advantages in production, by being able to lean on the executive luxury German marque for many of the advanced technological systems and specialist industry knowledge used in their manufacture.

A piece of British culture and a Hollywood star

Enhancing its popularity as a household name, the original British Mini became a star of the silver screen when it appeared predominantly in the gold-heist movie ‘The Italian Job’ in 1969, starring Michael Caine and Noel Coward. With a remake hitting the screens in 2003, the new Mini was called on to star once again, and a selection of Mini hatch models continued the tradition by featuring in the film.

Mini: a new competitor to the most popular 3-door hatchbacks

Despite its small footprint, the Mini hatch is providing real competition to the Audi A1 and VW Polo due to its premium quality build. And with the weight of BMW behind them, it’s easy to see why.

Mini’s reliability and reputation

Mini ranked 22nd out of 30 car brands in the What Car? Reliability Survey in 2018. That might not look so great at first glance, but bigger brand names fell further down the list. Mercedes, Jaguar, Jeep and Land Rover all featured in the lowest 5 places.

Recent Mini recalls and reliability issues

Various recalls have been made on Mini models throughout their motoring history. The following are a list of the most recent in the UK and Europe.

29/09/2019 – Mini Countryman (2016–2018)

A crash guard is lacking for the high-pressure fuel pump in the engine compartment.

13/07/2018 – Mini Countryman (2018)

The bearings on the front axle could break.

20/01/2017 – Mini (2016)

The side, head and knee protection airbags of the front passenger seat may not work.

05/12/2014 – Mini (2014)

There is a fault affecting the adjustment mechanism (recliner) of the front seat backrests.

31/10/2014 – Mini (2013–2014)

The flange nut on the mounting plate of the emergency spare wheel may become loose gradually.

All recall information sourced from gov.co.uk data.